Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Sued for Copyright Infringement

[NelsonG]

Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams are being sued for copyright infringement over Stefani’s 2014 song “Spark the Fire,” which was co-written with Williams, as the Hollywood Reporter points out. Musician Richard Morrill, who is the former lead vocalist for L.A.P.D. (the band that would go on to become Korn), claims that Stefani’s song infringes on the copyright for his 1996 song “Who's Got My Lightah,” citing musical and lyrical similarities in the choruses of both songs. He asserts that he gave Stefani a copy of the song in the late ’90s, and is suing Stefani’s company Harajuku Lovers and Interscope Records in addition to Stefani and Williams personally.

Morrill is seeking damages, “all gains and profits that they have enjoyed” at his expense, a declaration that his copyrights were infringed, and lawyer fees. Check out a copy of the suit below, as well as the songs in question.

Revisit “What Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway” Trial Says About Copyright’s Increasingly Blurred Lines” and “‘Uptown Funk’ Lawsuit Could Be Crucial Amid Pop’s Copyright Wars” over on the Pitch.

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